An attempt at a temporary solution to the Yorkson parking crisis failed to win enough support at Langley Township council Monday afternoon, with a majority saying installing, then removing temporary spaces would only upset residents even more.
Councillor Kim Richter supported the option, proposed in a Feb. 3 staff report to council, of installing 12 temporary parking spots at the corner of 212 Street and 80 Avenue at a cost of $50,000.
Richter said six should be for residents, six for visitors.
“There is an immediate need for more parking,” Richter said. “I don’t think we have any options.”
Other members of council were against the temporary spaces because they will only have to be removed when work on a planned four-lane arterial road is done.
That will only upset residents, Councillor Bev Dornan said.
“You’re taking it away,” Dornan said.
“This temporary solution is no solution,” said Councillor Michelle Sparrow.
“People are going to get accustomed to parking there,” Sparrow warned.
Councillor Charlie Fox said the lack of parking is a result of two factors; people using their garages for storage instead of parking and renting out space to tenants when they aren’t supposed to.
“I know there are illegal suites,” Fox said.
Councillor Bob Long favoured time limits on street parking instead of installing parking spaces that would be removed at some future date.
“I don’t think it’s going to work,” Long said. “I don’t agree with any of it.”
A majority voted down the temporary parking after hearing Township staff are conducting a survey of the parking situation in Yorkson. The survey will look at the impact of secondary suites.
“Staff will be undertaking a review of best practices and alternatives to address this concern,” an earlier memo from the Township engineering division said.
Over the holidays, following complaints from residents about a shortage of available parking, Township council agreed to allow vehicles in the no-parking areas of 80 Avenue, so that visitors would not be forced to park several blocks away.
But the ban has been re-imposed.